This was our third cruise with Princess; each cruise had a different itinerary and ship. We've cruised on the Star Princess, Christmas 2006, Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale, Jamaica, Caymans, Cozumel, Princess Cay, Ft. Lauderdale) and on the Crown Princess, November 2007, Eastern Caribbean (San Juan, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Tortola, St. Thomas, San Juan). This cruise originated in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and traveled to St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, and Aruba before taking a day at sea and returning to San Juan.

Last year our cruise originated in San Juan, so we were pretty confident getting to/from the airport/hotel/ship and didn't opt for the Princess transfer. For last year's cruise, we took the transfer and spent a lot of time waiting while the bus was loaded and unloaded. Folks taking the taxis seemed to be coming and going much more rapidly. The tourist authority in San Juan has a very organized and safe taxi transportation setup. When leaving the airport, you stand at the taxi stand and the tourist authority folks get you the next taxi in line; no pushing/shoving or flailing away trying to get a taxi. They have a ticket system whereby they write down your destination, the taxi license number, and the price of the trip - BEFORE - you leave. You get a copy and they keep a copy. For first time cruisers, but experienced travelers, this is a good option. Our fare from the airport to the Sheraton Old San Juan was $22.50 but I handed him an even $25 since our bags (that he loaded) were heavy.

I'd recommend the Sheraton Old San Juan (booked directly by our Travel Agent) for anyone who enjoys walking the old city and experiencing day-to-day life and not sterile resort hotel properties. The property has a casino, a small Italian restaurant and burger restaurant with outdoor tables to watch life pass by. Prices are not expensive, but more than hometown USA prices. We asked for a room with a harbor view and were not disappointed with our 5th floor suite - it even had a small balcony! Most everything was within walking distance of the hotel, and what wasn't close was easily accessible via the free tourist bus that travels throughout the city; hop on and hop off anytime. Depending on your cruise line and the number of other cruise ships in port at the time, the Sheraton will either be across the street from your boat or a $20 taxi ride to the Pan Am pier. As we stayed at the Sheraton the night before, the bell captain held on to our luggage for the day until we returned to pick them up and head to the pier. With the Princess transfer, a Princess representative will be in the lobby (usually around 10:30 am) to take your luggage over to the ship; you're free to roam around until 1:00 pm at which time you return to the hotel and take a Princess bus ride to the pier (or walk across the street if that's where your ship is located). Read more